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Summation Chain

The summation chain runs around pulleys on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The pulleys move up and down and the chain sums their displacements to compute the height or time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Summation Chain Close-Up

A part of the summation chain of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. By wrapping above and below a series of pulleys, the chain sums their deflections, which is a key component of computing tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. A part of the summation chain of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. By wrapping above and below a series of pulleys, the chain sums their deflections, which is a key component of computing tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Cellphone with logo of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on screen with website.

National Weather Service Doppler Radar station. NOAA uses Doppler radar to monitor and report on normal and severe weather

National Weather Service Doppler Radar station. NOAA uses Doppler radar to monitor and report on normal and severe weather

The California spiny lobsters at NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary are ready for the weekend

The California spiny lobsters at NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary are ready for the weekend

Whale breaching near cargo ships

Whale breaching near cargo ships

NOAA Research Vessel Pisces

NOAA Research Vessel Pisces

Gears on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Aquarius Underwater Laboratory - Key Largo Florida

Aquarius Underwater Laboratory - Key Largo Florida

Two Sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Gears on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

These gears pass some the energy provided by the operator turning a crank to the rear section of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. These gears pass some the energy provided by the operator turning a crank to the rear section of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 ("Old Brass Brains"&#x29

This photo shows the largest of the three sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The gears on the left transmit power from the hand crank. The components on the right contribute to the computation of the time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to produce its tide predictions. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland. This photo shows the largest of the three sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The gears on the left transmit power from the hand crank. The components on the right contribute to the computation of the time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to produce its tide predictions. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Looking into the Top of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

These components perform key computations for Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The tide prediction formula implemented by the machine includes the addition of a series of cosine terms. The triangular metal pieces are part of slotted yoke cranks which convert circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. Each slotted yoke crank is connected by a shaft to a pulley, which causes the pulley to follow the sinusoidal motion. A chain going over and under pulleys sums each of their deflections to compute the tide. Along the top of the photo, connecting shafts drive slotted yoke cranks on both sides of the machine. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland. These components perform key computations for Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The tide prediction formula implemented by the machine includes the addition of a series of cosine terms. The triangular metal pieces are part of slotted yoke cranks which convert circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. Each slotted yoke crank is connected by a shaft to a pulley, which causes the pulley to follow the sinusoidal motion. A chain going over and under pulleys sums each of their deflections to compute the tide. Along the top of the photo, connecting shafts drive slotted yoke cranks on both sides of the machine. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland.

NOAA , US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The high cost of Hurricanes

The high cost of Hurricanes

National Weather Service Doppler Radar. NOAA uses Doppler radar to monitor and report on normal and severe weather

National Weather Service Doppler Radar. NOAA uses Doppler radar to monitor and report on normal and severe weather

NOAA's Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

This photo shows the largest of the three sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The gears on the left transmit power from the hand crank. The components on the right contribute to the computation of the time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains the machine in working order. This photo shows the largest of the three sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The gears on the left transmit power from the hand crank. The components on the right contribute to the computation of the time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains the machine in working order.

Tide Formula Component Cranks on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

Tide formula component cranks on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The mechanical arrangement (a slotted crank yoke) converts circular motion to a sinusoidal motion. The operator adjusts the position of the pin on each crank to represent the tide formula at a specific port before starting computations. The pin position affects the amplitude and phase of the sinusoid. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Ryazan, Russia - April 19, 2018 - NOAA Weather Radar and Alerts mobile app on the display of tablet PC.

Ryazan, Russia - April 19, 2018 - NOAA Weather Radar and Alerts mobile app on the display of tablet PC.

LCD Monitor with a world map

LCD Monitor with the image of a card of the world on the display.
Hand traced from the public domain - national geophysical data center (NGDC) - http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/topo/globega2. LCD Monitor with the image of a card of the world on the display.
Hand traced from the public domain - national geophysical data center (NGDC) - http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/topo/globega2.

Aquarius Underwater Laboratory - Key Largo Florida

Aquarius Underwater Laboratory - Key Largo Florida

NOAA , US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 ("Old Brass Brains"&#x29

Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. When the machine was routinely used, the operator would sit at the desk and turn the crank on the left, which powered the machine. Mechanical components, partially visible on the left, computed the height of tides. These were displayed on the paper tide curve visible at the top right and on the dial below the paper. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland. Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. When the machine was routinely used, the operator would sit at the desk and turn the crank on the left, which powered the machine. Mechanical components, partially visible on the left, computed the height of tides. These were displayed on the paper tide curve visible at the top right and on the dial below the paper. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Dials on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

Dials for tide height (outer ring), date, and time on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. When the machine was in operation, the operator recorded the height and time of high and low tides, which were later reproduced in printed tide tables. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. Dials for tide height (outer ring), date, and time on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. When the machine was in operation, the operator recorded the height and time of high and low tides, which were later reproduced in printed tide tables. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Mechanically Adding Trigonometric Functions

These components perform key computations for Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The tide prediction formula implemented by the machine includes the addition of a series of cosine terms. The triangular metal pieces are part of slotted yoke cranks which convert circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. Each slotted yoke crank is connected by a shaft to a pulley, which causes the pulley to follow the sinusoidal motion. A chain going over and under pulleys sums each of their deflections to compute the tide. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. These components perform key computations for Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The tide prediction formula implemented by the machine includes the addition of a series of cosine terms. The triangular metal pieces are part of slotted yoke cranks which convert circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. Each slotted yoke crank is connected by a shaft to a pulley, which causes the pulley to follow the sinusoidal motion. A chain going over and under pulleys sums each of their deflections to compute the tide. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

LAS VEGAS, NV - September 22. 2016 - NOAA Weather Radar iPhone A

LAS VEGAS, NV - September 22. 2016 - NOAA Weather Radar iPhone A

A Tide Formula Component Crank on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

A tide forumula component crank on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The mechanical arrangement (a slotted crank yoke) converts circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. The operator adjusts the position of the pin on the crank to represent a component of the tide formula at a specific coastal port before starting computations. The pin position affects the amplitude and phase of the sinusoid. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to produce its tide predictions. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. A tide forumula component crank on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The mechanical arrangement (a slotted crank yoke) converts circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. The operator adjusts the position of the pin on the crank to represent a component of the tide formula at a specific coastal port before starting computations. The pin position affects the amplitude and phase of the sinusoid. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to produce its tide predictions. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Mount Washington Weather Station

Mount Washington Weather Station

Face of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

The output face of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The pen at the top draws the tide height as the paper moves beneath it. The dials below display the predicted tide height and the corresponding date and time. When the machine was in operation, the operator recorded the height and time of high and low tides, which were later reproduced in printed tide tables. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

NOAA Weather Monitoring Station In Michigan

NOAA Weather Monitoring Station In Michigan

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